This article, A True Love Story: Married Couple Who Never Spent a Night Apart Died Within Hours of Each Other blew my mind. I love reading stories that show real relationships. Unlike, the notebook which is one of my favorite books. This was a real couple that loved each other so much that they left this earth within a matter of hours. Their relationship started on February 20, 1944. Kenneth and Helen were married for 70 years and had eight children together. Throughout their whole marriage, they never slept a night without each other. One of their children, Linda Cody mentions, “We knew when one went, the other was going to go.” On April 12th, Helen passed away and 12 hours later Kenneth did the same.

I feel that this article represents the power of true love. These two people never spent one night apart and wouldn’t spend their last night apart either. I am a sap for love stories. I love stories with happy endings and although, it must have been extremely hard for their children to lose both parents so close together they know that they are in a better place now.

Communication is so important in building strong relationships like this one. My neighbor years ago explained to me how marriage works, She said, “You have to work as a team, one can’t take more responsibility then the other, you have to do everything 50/50 to succeed. Both need to have equal responsibilities.” I have been in a relationship for the past three years because I live by what she told me. Relationships are a partnership and relay on trust and good communication.

Communication has changed over the years including the way people retain friendships. The article “16 rules of modern friendship,” by Stephanie Karina explains how friendships have transformed over the years. Rule one states that when a friend posts a new picture on social media website you should be one of the friends to like it. “Profound friendships require that you are a loyalty liker on social media” (Karina). The second rule of being a good friend is to give the boyfriend/girlfriend a chance. However, rule number three states that the moment they breakup you are there to help mop up the pool of emotions with a good chick flick and comfort food. When my close friend Becky and Steve broke up, I called my other girl friends and we had a much-needed girls night out. We went out for dinner and had a few drinks. Then, we had a sleepover, at my place. Got two tubs of ice-cream from Wawa and watched How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.

Having a fight with a friend is understandable things happen, but you can only hold a grudge for few days. If you plan on staying friends you need to have a face to face chat and work things out. Rule number five, you can never get mad at your friend for being drunk and throwing up on your shoes. The list continues number six says, to hold be the “I told you so” when your friend does something stupid. Rule number seven “The role of a friend is to support rather than judge” (Karina). Is an extreme important rule to uphold. The article continues with some rules that are pretty straight forward while others are a little strange.

In class we have learned that technology has brought many of us closer together. I feel that people are able to make friends quickly through social media. But I remember back when I was in high school, Facebook would cause a lot of drama. I saw friendships that started in elementary school end because to gossip someone posted as a Facebook status. Which relates to rule thirteen, “Friends do no let other people trash-talk or gossip about friends” (Karina).

I found this article using the app Zite, and thought it was an interesting topic that everyone can relate too. Everyone needs to have that one person in their life to relay on. We all have a best friend and its important to maintain healthy relationships with them. So follow these simple rules and your friendship will last a lifetime.

Do you ever wake up in the morning look at your partner and grunt? Or complain because they spent the whole night kicking you? Then maybe as a couple you are not understanding the importance of communication. Couples that don’t communicate tend to have more problems in their relationships then those who are open about communication.

According to this article on the PBS website, “Resolving differences is generally not pleasant, but research shows that satisfied couples tend to bring positive emotions to their conflicts five times more often than negative emotions” (PBS). Looking at arguments with a positive outlook allows for couples to better communicate. When people in relationships take time to sit and listen to what one another has to say, it makes for an easier relationship.

Important things to know if you are trying to improve communication between you and your partner

Have High Standards– Do not let your partner walk all over you, If they say something that hurts your feelings let them know.

Accept Influence– trying to understand your partner’s point of view and letting your partner know you hear and understand what they are saying

Focus on the positives– Keeping a positive attitude helps for better communication

From my personal experience, I have learned that it is important to express how you feel to your partner because the other person can not read your mind. When people in relationships hide how they feel other people tend to get hurt. For example being in a relationship with someone for four years with no communication just leads to problem and heart break. A close friend of mine struggled with dating a girl who cheated on him behind his back for two out of the four years they were together. This caused him to have major heart break and he now has minor trust issues. Building trust between him and others is now a difficult challenge, he is always afraid someone is going to do something that will hurt him. This guy who was heart broken, is now currently my boyfriend and it is an everyday struggle to build trust with him. But to help us work towards a trusting relationship we use High standards as well as we like to always focus on the positives. Through the tips and tools on the PBS page the relationship will only grow stronger.